The Atlanta Women’s Foundation (AWF) celebrated its annual Community Investment Celebration on August 7, 2025, awarding more than $1.7 million in grants to 19 nonprofit organizations across metro Atlanta. The event, hosted for the second year at Atlanta City Hall, showcased AWF’s mission in action — investing in proven solutions that uplift women and girls living in poverty.

In partnership with the City of Atlanta, the program included remarks from Mayor Andre Dickens and Candace M. Stanciel, Chief Equity Officer for the City of Atlanta, emphasizing a shared commitment to gender equity and community investment. AWF leaders, including CEO Kari B. Love, Board Chair Fiona Bell of Novelis, and Chief Mission Officer DiShonda Hughes, led the celebration and presented the grant awards.

“Women make up slightly more than half the population of this city.  While it’s good to say that the truth is our women and girls face tougher odds—especially women and girls of color. Whether it’s matters of health, financial stability or educational opportunities, studies show too many women face significant barriers,” said Mayor Dickens. “This is not just a women’s issue; it’s an issue that affects the entire city, because we cannot have a thriving city if half the population is left behind. Which is why we are shining a light on organizations like the Atlanta Women’s Foundation who are intentional in their support of the community groups changing outcomes for women.”

The celebration highlighted AWF’s investment across four key grantmaking initiatives.

• Two-Generation Initiative supports mothers and their children through services such as early childhood education, mental health care, and family stability resources.

• All Girls Forward invests in girls’ empowerment programs that build leadership, confidence, and emotional wellness for girls experiencing economic hardship.

• Breaking Barriers, Building Women funds economic empowerment initiatives that help women gain financial independence through education, workforce training, and asset-building.

• Sue Wieland Embracing Possibility Grants support trauma-informed care and holistic family services that help women and children heal, grow, and thrive.

• The event also presented the Inaugural Yashoda Reddy Education Award to Madison Johnson, a mother, working professional, and first-generation college student pursuing a career in social work.

“We know that women and girls are the backbone of their families and communities. When we invest in their potential, we create lasting impact,” said Kari B. Love, CEO of the Atlanta Women’s Foundation. “These grants represent far more than a dollar amount — they represent opportunity, possibility, and the power of collective action. 

More than 100 community members attended, including nonprofit leaders, board members, Inspire Atlanta alumnae, and key donors whose generosity made the grants possible.

The next opportunity to support AWF’s mission will be at the Numbers Too Big To Ignore Luncheon on October 29, 2025, featuring Hoda Kotb as keynote speaker.

For more information about AWF, its programs, and upcoming events, visit www.atlantawomen.org.